Pa. man finds reptile near sewer, offers gator aid

Published: Thursday, June 13, 2013 at 7:24 a.m.

Last Modified: Thursday, June 13, 2013 at 7:24 a.m.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — A Philadelphia man has offered a little gator aid — calling animal control authorities to help rescue a juvenile alligator he found near a sewer grate on his street.

Joe Malseed saw the 18-inch reptile this week in the city's Fishtown neighborhood and snapped its photo before calling for help. He says the alligator was in a puddle and appeared to be emerging from a nearby sewer. He says it was docile until a man tried to get a closer look and it hissed.

Police took the reptile to the city's Animal Care & Control Team. The reptile has been named Allie-Gator.

The animal control team said Wednesday despite the name it hasn't determined the alligator's gender because, "Who's going to do that job?"

Allie-Gator will remain with the team until a permanent home is found.

<p>PHILADELPHIA (AP) — A Philadelphia man has offered a little gator aid — calling animal control authorities to help rescue a juvenile alligator he found near a sewer grate on his street.</p><p>Joe Malseed saw the 18-inch reptile this week in the city's Fishtown neighborhood and snapped its photo before calling for help. He says the alligator was in a puddle and appeared to be emerging from a nearby sewer. He says it was docile until a man tried to get a closer look and it hissed.</p><p>Police took the reptile to the city's Animal Care & Control Team. The reptile has been named Allie-Gator.</p><p>The animal control team said Wednesday despite the name it hasn't determined the alligator's gender because, "Who's going to do that job?"</p><p>Allie-Gator will remain with the team until a permanent home is found.</p>